Fire and Thorns - Book Review

The Girl of Fire and Thorns - Book Review

Rae Carson

YA Fantasy

Fire and Thorns Book #1

UK Publisher: Gollancz

Synopsis:

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king - a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s saviour. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn't die young.

Most of the chosen do.

Review:

I absolutely adored this book! I’m a huge fan of fantasy and this story had the perfect balance of magic, romance and epic drama. Rae carson is definitely an author of amazing talent and one who will forever be on my watch list. An amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic trilogy, I loved each and every page of  A Girl of Fire and Thorns.

Sixteen year old Elisa is an over weight Princess, set to marry the King of a failing country. Now taken away from everything she knows and everyone she loves, her only comfort comes from the God stone, a living gem buried deep inside her navel.

For Elisa is God’s chosen, the first stone bearer in over a hundred years to be picked by God to carry out a great task… only what this task is, no one knows. But with war threatening the existence of her new country, Elisa finds herself in the centre of a centuries old power struggle, and everyone is relying on her to save them from the deadly sorcerers from across the mountains. Yet Elisa knows nothing of warfare. She is a scholar, not a warrior, but with the future of her country at stake, can she find the courage to do what’s right? Or will she run from her destiny, her husband and her people and become a Princess of the desert?

An epic read! With a unique plot and a desert setting, I devoured this book in mere days. Broken up into different parts, this book follows Elisa on her journey, from a princess, to a queen, to a desert nomad, to rebel leader.  She is such a diverse character and I loved watching her grow proportionately greater throughout the story. She is both selfless and strong of heart, finding the best in each and every person.

However,being regarded as overweight, she is self conscious of her figure and does not see her better qualities. I enjoyed reading the interactions between her and the King. Despite their arranged marriage a friendship is formed, however the real emotion in this story came from Elisa’s relationship with the simple desert nomad, Humberto. Despite their forbidden love I couldn't help but root for them, even knowing things would probably end tragically.

Yet all the characters play great parts in the story. Everyone comes with a hidden past and shoulders grief and secrets of their own. The plot meanders all over the place and is in no way predictable. Some scenes made me gasp, one made me cry while others made me laugh aloud. A true roller coaster of emotions.

I must admit though, I did think the start of the book was a little slow, but still interesting, and parts two and three really picked up in both action and pace. The world building is really amazing though, extremely detailed and descriptive. 

Words alone cannot do this book justice. For any fans of fantasy, I wholly recommend you try reading this book for yourself. 5 stars!

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Book Review

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J Maas

YA Fantasy

Book #1 in A Court of Thorns and Roses Series

UK Publisher: Bloomsbury

Synopsis:

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treaties magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin - one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it … or doom Tamlin - and his world - forever…

Review:

A twist on Beauty and the Beast - which just happens to be my favourite fairytale story - I have to say that A Court of Thorns and Roses was a magically gripping read and I loved, loved, loved it!

When nineteen-year-old Feyre kills a giant wolf in the depths of the dark forrest, she has no idea of the consequences. For the beast was actually a faerie in animal form, and based on a treaty laid down by the lords of old, Feyres life is now forfeit. A debt the faeries are quick to collect upon.

But as Feyre is soon to learn, a Faerie Tamlin may be, but a beast he is not. Rather than spill her blood, he offers her life, providing she is willing to live out the rest of her days in the faerie realm. Yet Feyre is wary. It is said humans can lose their mind to the power of fae  magic, she never considers that the danger could lie in losing her heart to fae charms. 

But darker forces are at work and beings even more powerful than Tamlin are waking from the shadows. Soon they will overrun the faerie realms and turn their gaze to human lands. And Feyre is caught in the cross hairs, a single light in a world of darkness, bound to an unknown curse that she alone can break. But time is running out and the question in everyones mind is what will break first? The curse . . . or Feyres will to live . . . 

This book was truly astounding! Sarah J Maas remains a first class storyteller and I am so happy to see her branching out from the Throne of Glass series, yet retaining her spellbinding talent to keep readers glued to each and every page.

Feyre is a remarkable heroin. She is strong, resilient and far maturer than her years. I also loved that unlike in the other traditional Beuaty and the Beast retellings - Feyre can barely read or write. Instead her secret passion lies in art and her dream to paint all the colours of the world. 

Her love interest, Tamlin, his face hidden behind a cursed mask of gold, is another interesting character. A master of half truths, he bares a noble heart behind an icy facade that slowly thaws as the story progresses. I also liked how he embraces the more animalistic side of his nature while keeping true to his more human sense of honour and justice - he is also pretty hunky to boot!

Other amazing characters that I believe worth a mention are Feyre’s elder sister who his great depths of emotion behind a haughty countenance. Then there is Lucien, Tamlins greatest friend and confidant who brings a lot of comic relief to the story, yet even he too has horror in his past. 

There is also Rhys who is another fantastic character. With his own agenda, he had elements of both good and evil and he added an under current of mayhem to the story. However he and Feyres interaction seemed to be heading to an almost Hades/Persephone style sort of storyline and I'm looking forward to seeing how their unique (dare I say friendship?) will progress in the next book.

The plot itself is also fast paced with several plotlessness that keep you guessing. The romance is pretty steamy too, pushing this book to the higher end of YA, yet as Feyre is nineteen and far from immature, I felt that the saucier elements only added to the story. Its also nice to see that sex is no longer quite the forbidden topic it used to be in YA, so applause to Sarah J Maas for spicing things up!

So overall I thought this book was simply superb! Much like the ‘Throne of Glass’ series, I now can’t wait for the next book! Truly spelling binding, 5 stars!

Shadow Study Blog Tour - Interview with Maria. V. Snyder

To celebrate the release of her new book, Shadow Study, I'm lucky to welcome Maria. V. Snyder to the blog today. You can find my interview with her below.

You can also follow a link to my review of the book HERE.

Interview:

Hey there, I just want to say a huge huge thank you for appearing on my blog! I love the study series and am so glad you decided to continue it! I asked some of my blog followers if they had any questions for you and this is what they came up with!

MVS: Thanks for being a part of my blog tour!

1) What made you decide to continue the Study series, apart from the obvious fan induced pressure?

MVS: My readers were a major part of the decision, but I also wanted to explore Valek’s past and return to the world and characters.  I missed them and it was a blast to be with them again.

2) In the book which character is the most difficult to write? Or is there one person you just don't like in general?

MVS: I had the most trouble with Valek’s POV.  The male perspective is difficult for a woman to write and I also wanted to show his emotions without going over-board. My readers love that he’s so confident about his abilities, but a character who has no weaknesses or self-doubts is unrealistic. I hope I struck the right balance. 

3) If you could meet and spend a whole day with any Character from the book, which one would it be and what would you do? 

MVS: I’d spend the day with Janco!  He’s such fun.  I think I’d like to explore/go sightseeing with him.  We’d get into so much trouble and discover all kinds of cool stuff. 

4) What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing Shadow Study?

MVS: How much background to include in the story.  I wanted a brand new reader to be able to pick it up and not be lost or confused – so the story had to stand on its own.  However, I also didn’t want to bore my loyal readers with a ton of details they already know.  And some of my readers are hard core fans, they know more than I do!  While others will forget what happened.  So finding that balance was the biggest challenge to me.  I hope it worked out – I had a friend read the book who hadn’t read any of the other Study books and she pointed out all the problem spots for me.

5) What was the best piece of writing advice you were given, back when you were still an aspiring author?

MVS: Persistence was the best advice I’d received.  To keep sending my book out to agents and publishers until there was no place left to send it to.  Also persistence in writing.  Finishing a novel is difficult—that middle section is a cold hard slog and just getting the words out and finishing the book is a milestone!  I have a bunch of free writing advice articles and tips on my website.  Here’s a link if anyone is interested: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/advice.php

6) Who is your favourite childhood villain?

MVS: Catwoman!  My sister and I used to watch Batman on TV, with Adam West and I always loved the episodes with Catwoman.

7) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?

MVS: Donuts!  Love those and try not to eat too many!

Thanks very much :)

MVS: It was my pleasure!  If your readers would like more info about me and my books, I have the first chapter of all my books on my website as well as a number of free short stories (including ones with Yelena and Valek) they can read.  Here’s the link: http://www.mariavsnyder.com.  My Facebook page is where I’m the most active with updates and news.  Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/mvsfans 

Shadow Study - Book Review

Shadow Study - Book Review

Maria. V. Snyder

YA Fantasy

Book #1 in the Soulfinders Trilogy

UK Publisher: Mira Ink

Synopsis:

Once, only her own life hung in the balance…

When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival counties Ixia and Sitia. Now she uses her magic to keep peace in both lands - and protect her relationship with Valek.

Suddenly, though, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job - and his life - are in danger. As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked. And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.

Review:

I absolutely loved the Study series and can’t express how thrilled I was to learn that after all these years, Maria V Snyder finally decided to continue it. I’m also happy to say that this long awaited book was amazing!

When Yelena is attacked by an assassin, she awakes several days later to discover that her magical powers are gone. Now helpless against magical attack, word is fast spreading through the territories about her newfound vulnerability, and the only potential culprit is escaped prisoner, Ben Moon. 

But this time, Valek can’t help her investigate. When an assassin reaches his beloved Commander, Valek is forced into reassessing his security and is dumbfounded upon finding it lacking. Not only are smugglers moving freely between the kingdoms, but members of his trusted circle are also unaccounted for. 

Finding his loyalties torn between helping Yelena and following the Commanders orders, Valek realises he must choose between them. Does he protect his country, or protect his heart mate? And can he choose before he loses them both?

My favourite thing about this book was discovering Valek’s past. Reading about the events that led up to him becoming Ixia’s number one assassin was both interesting and insightful. Also as the story is split mostly into Yelena and Valeks Povs - with a little bit of Ari and Janco thrown in - I liked how Valek’s Pov provided the backstory while Yelena’s and other others were more focused on the present.

I also enjoyed the plot line of Yelena’s missing magic. The Study series was all about her learning to harness her powers and now several years later, magic has become second nature to her. With her magic gone, she must now re-learn how to connect with the world and survive without her magical abilities and I feel it makes her more relatable as a character.

This book also introduces several new characters. Their agendas are questionable and I can’t wait to see whether they turn out to be friend or foe. However I loved getting reacquainted with the old characters, and I particularly enjoyed discovering how their lives had changed over the past several years. But I was a little sad that some characters, such as the Master Magicians never managed to make an appearance in the book, although they were often referenced. 

My only criticism is that if you haven't read the Study or Glass series in long time, you may not remember all the characters well. While I very recently re-read the study series, its been a few years since I picked up the Glass books and I struggled to recall some of the characters who play a fairly vital role in this story. I would recommend refreshing your memories before picking up this book. However if your new to the story, I don't think you'll have any problem in understanding.

Other wise I loved, loved, loved this story. And with its huge cliffhanger of an ending I can’t help but want the next book, Night Study, immediately! I'll be counting down the days until its release! 4 stars!

Fire Study - Book Review

Fire Study - Book Review

Maria. V. Snyder

YA Fantasy

Book #3 in the Study Series

UK Publisher: Mira Ink

Synopsis:

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder - someone able to capture and release souls - spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena’s unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the council debates Yelena’s fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before…

Honour sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself  - and save the land she holds dear.

Review:

A great conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. This final book in the Study series brings everything from the previous books together and wraps everything up in one neat, bow-tied conclusion. However I’m so glad that we can see these characters continue their journey in both the Glass and Soulfinder books, as I’m definitely not ready to say goodbye to them just yet.

When the murderous magician Yelena recently defeated escapes, chaos breaks lose within the Magicians Keep. For that magician knew too many dark secrets, and now they are spreading like poison through the magic world, creating warpers - dark magicians who use blood and torture to increase their own powers - and they are intent on overthrowing the Sitian councils decision for peace with Ixia. They want war!

But as Yelena learns more about her own unique powers, more and more people turn from her in fear of what she could become. Only with the aid of her Ixian friends can she hope to defeat the blood thirsty magicians, and only with Valek’s love can she prevent herself from becoming the monster everyone fears … but for all his special abilities, Valek is still just one man, and the Sitians are determined to see both Yelena and Valek dead. Just how far does their love stretch? And will they live long enough to see the sunrise?

These books have been a pleasure to read and Maria. V. Snyder remains one of my favourite YA fantasy authors. I love the magical world she has created, with Ixia’s strict rules and regimented structures, to Sitias vibrant towns and crazy clans people. These are books that I have revisited again and again through my teen years and ones I’m sure I will continue to do so throughout life. They are a must read for all fantasy fans.

I think one of the best elements of Maria. V. Snyder's writing is her ability to take her characters full circle. Always bringing them back to the place their journey began from, its forms a clear distinction for the reader as to how the characters have grown and changed throughout the pages. 

This is especially true of Yelena. She has overcome death many times, mastered her powers and taken control of her life, all while remaining loyal to her friends and beliefs. However while she may have hated Valek in the beginning, she accepts that things and people aren't always what they appear and now Valek holds the place closest to her heart. They make a perfect couple.

The plot also held some twists and bends along the way that took me by surprise. But as the book is pretty action based you will find you simply fly through the pages and all you can do is hold on for the ride.

A magical, spellbinding read, I would recommend Maria. V. Snyders books to all fans of Garth Nix, Tamora Pierce and Sarah-Beth Durst. 4 stars!

Magic Study - Book Review

Magic Study - Book Review

Maria. V. Snyder

YA Fantasy

Book #2 in the Study Trilogy

UK Publisher: Mira Ink

Synopsis:

With her greatest enemy dead, and on her way to be reunited with the family she’d been stolen from long ago, Yelena should be pleased. But though she has gained her freedom, she can’t help feeling isolated in Sitia. Her Ixian background has changed her in many ways - and her new found friends and relatives don’t think its for the better.

Despite the turmoil, she’s eager to start her magic training - especially as she’s been given one year to harness her power or be put to death. But her plans take a radical turn when she becomes involved with a plot to reclaim Ixia’s throne for a lost prince - and gets entangled in powerful rivalries with her fellow magicians. 

If that wasn't bad enough, it appears her brother would love to see her dead. Luckily, Yelena has some old friends to help her with her new enemies. 

Review:

A fantastic middle book to what I know to be a truly spectacular trilogy. With new challenges, old fears and a mix of divided loyalties, this book takes the reader on another adventure, only this time we get to see the other side of Maria V Snyders fantasy realm.  The place where magicians roam free, colour paints everything and the horses are occasionally smarter than the people who ride them. Picking up mere days where the previous novel ended, Magic Study follows Yelena on the next leg of her journey.

 After a short reunion with her long lost family, Yelena sets out to discover the true extent of her magical powers, all while doing her best to avoid the pointed stares and whispered gossip from her fellow students that she is an Ixian spy. But when she learns of a plot that could lead to an outbreak of war between Ixia and Sitia, she is torn over whom to trust … and is unsure of which side she is supposed to be aiding…

Another brilliant read, this book sees Yelena faced with more problems and even greater challenges. But it is clear to see that she has really grown as a character. Applying previous experience to new situations, she knows her limits and now sets about expanding them. While still quick to jump into trouble, she remains a kind, brave heroin and I loved each and every page of her story.

The new characters also contain a motley crew of friends, villains and in-betweens who each add something unique to the plot line. Yelena’s brother, Leif, is a particularly layered character who’s agenda remains difficult to figure out. Of course the old and well loved characters such as Ari, Janco and the elusive Valek, also make appearances in the book although they arrive quite late into the story. 

The plot moves at a fast pace and contains plenty of action. Although there is less backstory in this book, we still get to learn more about Yelena’s childhood and the events that led up to her previous abduction. 

However one of my favourite things within this story was the horses. I love their mind speak and the way they attach names to people based on their impressions. It adds some comedy to all the adventure and with their casual outlook on life, they occasionally offer insightful advice.

All in all yet another great read with just enough of a cliffhanger to ensure you pick up the next book. Fantastic! 4 Stars!

Half Bad - Book Review

Half Bad - Book Review

Sally Green

YA Paranormal

Book #1 in the Half Bad Trilogy

UK Publisher: Penguin

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Nathan lives in a cage: beaten, shacked, trained to kill. In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world’s most terrifying and violent witch, Marcus.

Nathan’s only hope for survival is to escape his captors, track down Marcus, and receive three gifts that will bring him into his own magical powers - before it’s too late. But how can Nathan find his father when there is no one safe to trust, not even family, not even the girl he loves?

Review:

What started off for me as a slow, slightly confusing read quickly turned into something special that I was unable to put down. Half Bad is a book with a strong, unusual voice that will take you on a journey of magic and adventure through one boys quest to discover the truth about who and what he really is. 

All his life Nathan has been shunned by the white witches, including members of his own family. For he is a hybrid, half white, half black and until he reaches his seventeenth birthday, no one knows how his powers will manifest. Deemed as a danger to the white witches, his childhood is stolen from him when he is put under lock and key and forced to endure test upon cruel test. His only hope is to escape the white witches clutches and seek out the father he has never met, Marcus, a notorious black witch and murderer. 

But Marcus will not be easy to find and Nathan’s survival depends on him being granted three magical gifts upon his seventeenth name day. Gifts that can only be obtained by drinking an elder relatives blood. But as the day’s to his birthday tick down, Nathan learns that he must pay a price to get what he wants, but the question is, just how much is he willing to sacrifice? And is his own survival worth the cost?

I felt this book got off to a slow start and as the story jumps from past to present, the beginning is a little confusing. However, I  urge readers to not despair, preserve as eventually it all makes sense and by that point you will be hooked. Also as the story is told from Nathan’s point of view and he has a very blunt way of perceiving the world,  it may take a couple of chapters to become accustomed to his voice alone.

Nathan himself is a very complex character. Treated badly by the council of white witches, and unable to understand the sheer hatred that radiates from his older half-sister, he grows up trusting few and learns the valuable skill of playing dumb. Suffering with constant self doubt over who he is and what he may become, my heart bled for him as he tried to show again and again that he was a good person - despite the councils best attempts to turn him into something else.

I simply loved Aaron, Nathan’s half brother. He is one of the kindest characters in the whole story and I hope he continues to be a pillar of support across the next few books. However I thought all the characters came with strong traits and personalities and I enjoyed meeting each and everyone of them, both the good guys and the bad - although sometimes the line that divided blurred.

Relationships also play a huge theme in this novel. Half bad explores the bonds between family, the unity among outcasts and the excitement and sacrifice of both forbidden love, and love unrequited. All these things contributed to the depth of the story.

The whole good vs evil, white vs black element  also adds a strong current to the plot and although the book transpires at a rather slow pace, I feel that Sally Green intended for this to be a more emotional read - although the action does pick up towards the end. It is definitely one of the most unique and original books that I have read for a long time. For that alone, I would recommend people give it a try.

A book that I think will be enjoyed by both boys and girls alike, I give Half Bad 4 stars!